Planar plate core and method of assembly

ABSTRACT

An apparatus includes a core configured for use in an energy exchanger. The core includes a plurality of stacked and spaced planar plate pairs including a top plate and a bottom plate to support fluid flow of a first fluid flow and a second fluid flow. A plurality of dimples is provided by instances of the plate pairs. The plurality of dimples are arranged to generate substantially counter current flow between the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/703,535 filed on Sep. 20, 2012, which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The described embodiments relate to the field of energy exchange systemsand more particularly to planar plate-type cores and methods of assemblyof same used in heat recovery ventilator (HRV) systems and energyrecovery ventilation systems (ERV).

BACKGROUND

A heat recovery ventilator (HRV) is a mechanical device thatincorporates a heat exchanger with a ventilation system for providingcontrolled ventilation into a building. The heat exchanger heats orcools incoming fresh air using exhaust air. Energy/Enthalpy RecoveryVentilators (ERV) can exchange moisture in addition to heat between twoair streams. ERV systems typically include a sheet metal enclosure, fansto move the air streams, ducting, filters and control components. A keycomponent in an HRV/ERV that transfers the heat and water vapour betweenthe air streams is called the core. A core is typically constructedusing a plurality of plates that are stacked, sealed and configured toaccommodate fluid streams flowing in either cross-flow or counter-flowconfiguration between alternate plate pairs, so that heat and watervapour are transferred via the plates. Planar plate-type cores forHRV/ERV implementations and other applications are readily scalable.However, meeting high efficiencies targets is a challenge usingconventional designs.

SUMMARY

Certain exemplary embodiments can provide an apparatus, comprising: acore being configured for use in an energy exchanger, the core includinga plurality of stacked and spaced planar plate pairs including a topplate and a bottom plate to support fluid flow of a first fluid flow anda second fluid flow; and a plurality of dimples being provided byinstances of the plurality of stacked and spaced planar plate pairs, andthe plurality of dimples being arranged to generate substantiallycounter current flow between the first fluid flow and the second fluidflow.

Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method of producing a corehaving a plurality of planar plates; (a) folding seams of two of theplurality of planar plates to form a lock seam to hold the platestogether; (b) injecting an adhesive at each seam to attach and space theplates; and (c) repeating steps (a) and (b) until the plurality ofplanar plates are joined. In exemplarly embodiments, the method forms acore with multiple channels for the first and second fluid.

Certain exemplary embodiments can provide an apparatus including a coreconfigured for use in an energy exchange between fluids. The coreincludes a plurality of stacked and spaced planar plate pairs includinga top plate and a bottom plate to support fluid flow of a first fluidflow and a second fluid flow. A plurality of dimples is provided byinstances of the plate pairs. The plurality of dimples are arranged togenerate substantially counter current flow between the first fluid flowand the second fluid flow.

Certain exemplary embodiments can provide an apparatus, comprising: anenergy recovery system, including: an energy exchanger; a core beingconfigured for use in the energy exchanger, the core including aplurality of stacked and spaced planar plate pairs including a top plateand a bottom plate to support fluid flow of a first fluid flow and asecond fluid flow; and a plurality of dimples being provided byinstances of the plurality of stacked and spaced planar plate pairs, andthe plurality of dimples being arranged (i) to generate substantiallycounter current flow between the first fluid flow and the second fluidflow and (ii) to draw condensation from any one of the first fluid flowand the second fluid flow in any plate orientation.

Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method of joining aplurality of plates used in a core. The method includes folding seams ofthe plurality of stacked and spaced planar plate pairs to lock theplurality of stacked and spaced planar plate pairs together. The methodalso includes applying an adhesive at the seams that are folded toattach and space the plurality of stacked and spaced planar plate pairs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The non-limiting embodiments may be more fully appreciated by referenceto the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodimentswhen taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of counter current fluid flow over aplate;

FIG. 2 is a modelled representation of an ideal fluid flow pattern in acore;

FIGS. 3A-3D are illustrations of a planar plate core according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 3E is a modelled simulation of fluid flow for the core of FIGS.3A-3D;

FIGS. 4A-4E are illustrations of a planar plate core according toanother embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a modelled simulation of fluid flow for the core of FIGS.4A-4E;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a method of assembling a core according toan embodiment;

FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C illustrate components used to practice the methodof FIG. 6;

and

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, and 8E illustrate modelled representations ofalternative dimple geometries and patterns in plates of a planar platecore according to other embodiments.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated byphantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. Incertain instances, details not necessary for an understanding of theembodiments (and/or details that render other details difficult toperceive) may have been omitted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and isnot intended to limit the described embodiments or the application anduses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary”or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, orillustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or“illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other implementations. All of the implementationsdescribed below are exemplary implementations provided to enable personsskilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure andare not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is definedby the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,”“lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” andderivatives thereof shall relate to the examples as oriented in thedrawings. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by anyexpressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field,background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It isalso to be understood that the specific devices and processesillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the followingspecification, are simply exemplary embodiments (examples), aspectsand/or concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specificdimensions and other physical characteristics relating to theembodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting,unless the claims expressly state otherwise. It is understood that “atleast one” is equivalent to “a”.

For optimal heat exchange, fluid (air) flow in a core of an HRV/ERV iscounter current, as shown schematically in FIG. 1. In general, cold airflow 12 from outside—typically fresh air supplied to a building duringwinter- heat exchanges with warm air flow 10 from within thebuilding—typically exhaust from the building during winter. The cold airflow 12 entering exchanges heat with cooled warm air exiting outlet 11and the warm air flow 10 entering exchanges with the warmed cool airexiting the outlet 13. The warm air flow 10 and the cold air flow 12 areseparated by a divider 14 such as an aluminum plate. A temperaturegradient across the two sides of the divider 14 is maximized to promoteheat exchange.

FIG. 2 illustrates a modelled representation of an ideal fluid flowpattern in a core 18 showing four cold air/fluid flows 12 and four warmair flows 10. The core 18 includes a plurality of stacked plate pairs 35to support the cold and warm fluid flows. The core 18 is designed toprovide counter current heat exchange in a middle region of the core 18.This ideal counter current flow pattern can be achieved with extendedlength fluid directing rails 16 arranged in a middle of the core 18,defined as being between dotted lines 19 of the core 18. Streamlines forone hot side 22 and one cold side 20 are designated in FIG. 2. Thewarm/hot fluid 10 enters from the bottom right of the core 18 and thecold air/fluid flow 12 enters from the top right of the core 18. Thefluid directing rails 16 are spaced throughout the middle region of thecore 18. Fluid flow is opposite to each other in areas where the fluiddirecting rails 16 are present. Cooled warm-side fluid 24 is expelled atthe top left of the core 18. Warmed cold-side fluid 26 is expelled atthe bottom left of the core 18. An aluminum plate 28 separates hot andcold fluids is shown as transparent in FIG. 2 to help illustrate thestreamlines 20 and 22. The flow pattern is the same as FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrates various schematic views of a planar plate core29 according to an embodiment. The planar plate core 29 includes aplurality of stacked planar plate pairs 35 consisting of a bottom plate36 and a top plate 38. In the embodiment illustrated, the plates 36/38are hexagonal but other geometries (square, rectangular, circular, etc.)are possible depending on the particular HRV/ERV implementation. Eachplate 36/38 include a plurality of symmetrically arranged instances ofthe circular/round dimples 30 arranged to establish gaps 44 between thestacked plate pairs 35. The gaps 44 between the plate pairs direct fluidflow and leave spaces allowing for condensate drainage. Warm fluid/airregions 46 are designated with reference 46 and cold fluid/air regions48 are designed with reference 48.

To establish the gaps 44 and provide spacing between the bottom plate 36and the top plate 38 and the joined stacked planar plate pairs 35, oneof the circular dimples 30 from the top plate 38 protrudes into theairflow, which rests against one of the circular dimples 30 protrudinginto the bottom plate 36. The dimple set alternates between protrudinginto and away from the airflow. The alternating dimples sets are used tospace the plates 36/38 of the planar plate core 29 and to helpdistribute airflow. The warm side streamlines 22 for a simulation of theplanar plate core 29 with a circular dimples (as per FIGS. 3A-3D) isshown in FIG. 3E. Warm air enters 10 from the top left side of theplanar plate core 29 and exits from the bottom right side. The cold airflow 12 enters from the top right side and exits through the bottom leftside of the planar plate core 29, in the flow channel above and below.The flow pattern in the cold side is essentially a mirror image (aboutleft and right centerline of the core 18) of the warm side. Thesimulation model of FIG. 3C shows that the planar plate core 29 iseffectively counter flow near the outside edges while the flow near thecenter of the core essentially goes straight from the inlet to theoutlet. The hot and cold fluid angles approach each other atapproximately 120 degrees rather than at 180 degrees. This isillustrated in FIG. 3E with the angle indicator shown between the meanstreamline directions for the hot air flow 10 and the cold air flow 12sides.

FIGS. 4A-4E illustrates various schematic views of a planar plate core31 according to another embodiment. The planar plate core 31 includesthe stacked planar plate pairs 35 consisting of the bottom plate 36 andthe top plate 38, but with different dimples and dimple patterns. Inparticular, each plate 36/38 includes a plurality of spaced extendedlength dimples 32/34 oriented substantially parallel to one side 39 ofthe plates 36/38. Each extended length dimple 32/34 is surrounded oneither side with a plurality of short elliptical dimples 40/42. Aplurality of the circular/round dimples 30 (as used in planar plate core29) are arranged at the top and bottom of each plate 36/38 as shown inFIG. 4A. The extended length dimples 32 protrude into the cold (supply)side 48 from the plate above and the extended length dimples 34 protrudeinto the cold (supply) side 48 from the plate below. The shortelliptical dimples 40 protrude into the warm side 46 (exhaust) from theplate above and the short elliptical dimples 42 extend into the warmside 46 (exhaust) from the plate below.

The protrusion arrangements of the various dimples are best illustratedin FIG. 4B. As discussed above, warm fluid/air regions 46 can be exhaustair from an HRV/ERV (not shown) housing the planar plate core 31 andcold fluid/air regions 48 can be supply air to the HRV/ERV housing theplanar plate core 31. The circular dimples 30, dimples 32/34, anddimples 40/42 and the asymmetrical pattern as shown in FIG. 4A enablescontrolled plate spacing, better flow distribution, and water drainage.The cold side does not have condensation so the long dimples 34 canprotrude there without impeding drainage.

The warm side 46, having the short dimples 40/42, leaves the gaps 44through which condensation and water from defrost can drain, seesectional view in FIG. 4C. The short elliptical dimples 40 on bottomplate 36 protrude into the warm side and meet with the short ellipticaldimples 42 from the top plate 38.

The improvement in flow is illustrated in the model of FIG. 5. Theextended length dimples 32/34 act as the fluid directing rails 16 (ofFIG. 2) resulting in similar streamlines 20. The short ellipticaldimples 40/42 force air (entering from the bottom left face of FIG. 5)to be more parallel to the extended length dimples 40/42. The approachangle of the streamlines is closer to 180 degrees.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method 100 of joining a plurality of plates 36/38used in the construction of the planar plate cores 29 and 31. FIGS. 7A-Cillustrates schematic representations of certain components used topractice the method 100 of FIG. 6.

An aluminum roll is mounted to a de-coiler at step 102 to produce a diestamped and cut the bottom plate 36 at step 104 and a die stamped andcut the top plate 38 at step 106. The die stamping produces theappropriate dimple structure and pattern into the plates for theparticular core embodiment as described throughout. The bottom plate 36and the top plate 38 then proceed in alternating positions to step 108to a core assembly 110. If the first plate is mounted to the assembly asdetermined at step 112 then an alternate plate is added to the coreassembly 110. If two plates are on the core assembly 110 then the platesare clamped and seams folded to lock the plates at step 114. Hot melt isapplied to the seams at step 116 and the core is indexed down one plateat step 118. If the desired number of plates is formed as determined atstep 120 then processing is complete at the step 122. If more plates arerequired to complete the core processing returns to step 108 to add aplate to the core assembly 110 and the step 114 (clamping/folding step)and the 116 step (hot melt step) are repeated (as may be required).

The bottom plate 36 is shown in FIG. 7A attached to a partiallyassembled core. The top plate 38 can be seen in the cut away section ofbottom plate 36. The top plate 38 is held mechanically in place usingclamps, metal or plastic spacers, rubber pads, etc (not shown) forexample. The next formed instance of the bottom plate 36 is positionedonto the top plate 38. Each plate 36/38 is formed so that it makes uphalf of a fluid flow channel. The plates 36/38 have extensions 60 thatfold over each other to form a locked seam 50 as shown in FIG. 7B. Thisholds the core together and seals the hot side from the cold side. Thefolding operation is done simultaneously while the plates 36/38 are heldin place.

Next, a plurality of glue guns 52 are directed into the corners (six inthis example, with five being illustrated in FIG. 7A) of the developingcore to inject a glue bead 56 of hot melt (hot melt have very quick settimes and are suitably hard). FIG. 7C shows the glue bead 56. The hotmelt moulds to the shape of the corner, cools, and harden to act as aspacer. The glue bead 56 also seals the corners 54 where the folds meet(see gap in FIG. 7B). The developing core moves down on an indexingplatform 58 one plate height and the process is repeated with the nextplate, and so on until the desired number of plate pairs 36/38 arejoined. A full size commercial core can consist of over 100 joined platepairs 36/38.

Alternative Dimple Patterns

In the described embodiments, the intention of the various dimplegeometries and dimple patterns on the plates is to achieve substantiallycounter current flow of the exchanged fluids (e.g., warm/cold) betweenthe plates as schematically shown in FIG. 1. The dimple patterns arealso arranged so that the warm side can drain condensation in anyorientation of the core to provide installation flexibility. To keeppressure drop low during fluid exchange wetted perimeters of the dimplesare minimized. A wetted perimeter is the perimeter of a cross sectionalarea that is “wet.” The term wetted perimeter is common in the field ofengineering and heat transfer applications and is associated with ahydraulic diameter (a commonly cited analogy is to consider the crosssectional area of a river). In open channel flow, the wetted perimeteris defined as the surface of the channel bottom and sides in directcontact with fluid/air flow. Friction losses typically increase with anincreasing wetted perimeter, resulting in a decrease in true energyrecovery (where energy consumed to recover the energy is considered).

The circular/round dimples represented in many embodiments arerelatively unobtrusive meaning that they can be added to the plates tohelp spacing as required. Generally the dimples are produced in theplates using known stamping manufacturing techniques. With stamping arecess in the other fluid stream is created with each dimple, which canreduce the pressure drop on the opposite side.

The plates 36/38 can have a number of different dimple patterns as shownin FIGS. 8A-8E.

An alternate dimple configuration is shown in FIG. 8A. Warm air flow 10enters in the bottom left corner and exits at the top right corner of acore 66. Cold air flow 12 enters in the bottom right corner and exit atthe top right corner of the core 66. The warm side streamlines 22 withan alternate dimple pattern is shown. In this embodiment medium lengthdimples 62 protrude into the warm side to force the flow to be moreparallel with the sides of the core and dimples 64 protrude into thecold side of the core to force the flow direction to be more parallelwith the sides of the core. A large region of the core 66 remains openfor drainage as well as flow to reduce pressure drop.

In FIG. 8B, warm air flow 10 enters from the top right hand side of acore 68 and exits the bottom left hand side 24 of the core 68. Cold airenters from the bottom left hand side and exits the top left hand side.Dimples 70 on the warm side are ½ the width of the sides of the core 68.This leaves more room for a fluid to move within the core 68. Forexample, if the core 68 had been on its side, the warm air side wouldnot encounter a dimple till it is half way through the core 68. Asignificant amount of condensation can be generated and drained beforethe dimples 70 are encountered. Dimples 72 for the cold side flow are onthe top portion of the core 68 and extend to the middle of the core 68.

The warm side streamlines 22 are shown for a core 74 with a plurality ofslanted dimples 76 in FIG. 8C. The slanted dimples 76 are both cold andwarm side dimples and cold side dimples are located downstream of warmside dimples. The slanted dimples 76 force fluid flow towards the sidesof the core 74 more than dimples that are parallel to the sides. Thisarrangement permits the slanted dimples 76 to be spaced further apartcompared to similar length dimples that are parallel to the sides.

FIG. 8D shows a core 78 having plate pairs with dimples 80/82 thatalternate between protruding into a warm side and a cold side. The coldside dimples 82 leave a recess in the warm side whereas the warm sidedimples 80 leave a recess in the cold side. The warm side streamlines 22are shown. Plate spacing in between the warm side dimples 80 and thecold side dimples 82 can be accomplished using round dimples asdiscussed above. This configuration leaves significant volume forairflow and drainage.

FIG. 8E shows a core 84 having plate pairs with dimples 86/88 that donot meet between the plates. The dimples 86 protrude into the warm sideand alternate with the cold side dimples 88. The warm side streamlines22 are shown to illustrate the warm side flow distribution. Leaving agap further increases drainage paths.

It may be appreciated that the assemblies and modules described abovemay be connected with each other as may be required to perform desiredfunctions and tasks that are within the scope of persons of skill in theart to make such combinations and permutations without having todescribe each and every one of them in explicit terms. There is noparticular assembly, or components that are superior to any of theequivalents available to the art. There is no particular mode ofpracticing the disclosed subject matter that is superior to others, solong as the functions may be performed. It is believed that all thecrucial aspects of the disclosed subject matter have been provided inthis document. It is understood that the scope of the present inventionis limited to the scope provided by the independent claim(s), and it isalso understood that the scope of the present invention is not limitedto: (i) the dependent claims, (ii) the detailed description of thenon-limiting embodiments, (iii) the summary, (iv) the abstract, and/or(v) the description provided outside of this document (that is, outsideof the instant application as filed, as prosecuted, and/or as granted).It is understood, for the purposes of this document, that the phrase“includes” is equivalent to the word “comprising.” It is noted that theforegoing has outlined the non-limiting embodiments (examples). Thedescription is made for particular non-limiting embodiments (examples).It is understood that the non-limiting embodiments are merelyillustrative as examples.

1. An apparatus, comprising: a core being configured for use in an energy exchanger, the core including a plurality of stacked and spaced planar plate pairs including a top plate and a bottom plate to support fluid flow of a first fluid flow and a second fluid flow; and a plurality of dimples being provided by instances of the plurality of stacked and spaced planar plate pairs, and the plurality of dimples being arranged to generate substantially counter current flow between the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the plurality of dimples are further arranged to draw condensation from any one of the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow in any plate orientation.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the energy exchanger includes: a warm-flow outlet being configured to facilitate a warm-fluid flow; a cold-flow outlet being configured to facilitate a cool-fluid flow; and a divider being configured to separate the warm-fluid flow and the cool-fluid flow in such a way that a temperature gradient established across sides of the divider promotes heat exchange between the warm-fluid flow and the cool-fluid flow.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the core includes: fluid directing rails being arranged in the core, and the fluid directing rails being configured to provide counter current energy exchange in the core in such a way that the fluid flow is opposite to each other in areas proximate to the fluid directing rails.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: symmetrically arranged instances of the plurality of dimples are arranged to establish gaps between the instances of the plurality of stacked and spaced planar plate pairs, and the gaps operative for directing the fluid flow and operative for leaving spaces allowing for condensate drainage.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the plurality of dimples includes: instances of the plurality of dimples of the top plate are configured to protrude into the fluid flow, which rests against instances of the plurality of dimples protruding into the bottom plate, to establish gaps, and the gaps are operative for providing spacing between the bottom plate and the top plate.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein: the plurality of dimples includes: symmetrically arranged instances of the plurality of dimples alternating between and protruding into and away from the fluid flow, for spacing instances of the plurality of stacked and spaced planar plate pairs for operative distribution of the fluid flow.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: instances of the plurality of dimples are arranged at: a top side of instances of the plurality of stacked and spaced planar plate pairs; and a bottom side of instances of the plurality of stacked and spaced planar plate pairs.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the plurality of dimples includes: a plurality of spaced extended-length dimples being oriented substantially parallel to a side of instances of the plurality of stacked and spaced planar plate pairs; and a plurality of elliptical dimples being configured to surround instances of the plurality of spaced extended-length dimples on either side.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein: instances of the plurality of spaced extended-length dimples are configured to protrude into a supply side; instances of the plurality of spaced extended-length dimples are configured to protrude into the supply side; instances of the plurality of elliptical dimples are configured to protrude into an exhaust side; and instances of the plurality of elliptical dimples extend into the exhaust side.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein: the plurality of dimples, the plurality of spaced extended-length dimples, and the plurality of elliptical dimples are configured to form an asymmetrical pattern.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein: a warm side has the plurality of elliptical dimples, the plurality of elliptical dimples configured to leave gaps, and the gaps operative for draining condensation and water from defrost.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the plurality of dimples includes: a plurality of elliptical dimples including: a first set of dimples; and a second set of dimples protruding into a warm side and meeting with respective instances of the second set of dimples.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the plurality of dimples includes: warm-side dimples protruding into a warm side of the core being operative for forcing a flow direction to be more parallel with sides of the core; and cold-side dimples protruding into a cold side of the core being operative for forcing the flow direction to be more parallel with the sides of the core.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the plurality of dimples includes: warm-side dimples for a warm side flow, the warm-side dimples being about half of a width of a side of the core, the warm-side dimples operative for leaving additional room for a fluid to move within the core; and cold-side dimples for a cold side flow, the cold-side dimples being on a top portion of the core and extending to about the middle of the core.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the plurality of dimples includes: a plurality of slanted dimples having: cold-side dimples; and warm-side dimples; the cold-side dimples being located downstream of warm-side dimples; the plurality of slanted dimples configured to operatively force the fluid flow towards sides of the core more than the instances of the plurality of slanted dimples that are parallel to the sides to permit the plurality of slanted dimples to be spaced further apart.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the plurality of dimples includes: warm-side dimples alternating between and protruding into a warm side, and the warm-side dimples leaving a cold-side recess in a cold side; and cold-side dimples alternating between and protruding into the cold side, and the cold-side dimples leaving a warm-side recess in the warm side.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the plurality of dimples is spaced apart and do not meet between the instances of the plurality of stacked and spaced planar plate pairs, the plurality of dimples includes: cold-side dimples; and warm-side dimples alternating with the cold-side dimples.
 19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: a wetted perimeter of each of the plurality of dimples is minimized to reduce pressure drop of a counter current flow.
 20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: instances of the plurality of spaced and stacked planar plate pairs are hexagonal shaped.
 21. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the core is effectively counter flow near an outside edge while the flow near a center of the core essentially goes straight from an inlet to an outlet.
 22. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: a hot fluid flow and a cold fluid flow being directed at angles that approach each other at about 120 degrees.
 23. An apparatus, comprising: an energy recovery system, including: an energy exchanger; a core being configured for use in the energy exchanger, the core including a plurality of stacked and spaced planar plate pairs including a top plate and a bottom plate to support fluid flow of a first fluid flow and a second fluid flow; and a plurality of dimples being provided by instances of the plurality of stacked and spaced planar plate pairs, and the plurality of dimples being arranged (i) to generate substantially counter current flow between the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow and (ii) to draw condensation from any one of the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow in any plate orientation.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein: the energy exchanger includes: a warm-flow outlet being configured to facilitate a warm-fluid flow; a cold-flow outlet being configured to facilitate a cool-fluid flow; and a divider being configured to separate the warm-fluid flow and the cool-fluid flow in such a way that a temperature gradient established across sides of the divider promotes heat exchange between the warm-fluid flow and the cool-fluid flow; and the core includes: fluid directing rails being arranged in the core, and the fluid directing rails being configured to provide counter current energy exchange in the core in such a way that the fluid flow is opposite to each other in areas proximate to the fluid directing rails.
 25. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein: symmetrically arranged instances of the plurality of dimples are arranged to establish gaps between the instances of the plurality of stacked and spaced planar plate pairs, and the gaps operative for directing the fluid flow and operative for leaving spaces allowing for condensate drainage.
 26. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein: the plurality of dimples includes: instances of the plurality of dimples of the top plate are configured to protrude into the fluid flow, which rests against instances of the plurality of dimples protruding into the bottom plate, to establish gaps, and the gaps are operative for providing spacing between the bottom plate and the top plate and wherein the plurality of dimples further include: symmetrically arranged instances of the plurality of dimples alternating between and protruding into and away from the fluid flow, for spacing instances of the plurality of stacked and spaced planar plate pairs for operative distribution of the fluid flow.
 27. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein: instances of the plurality of dimples are arranged at: a top side of instances of the plurality of stacked and spaced planar plate pairs; and a bottom side of instances of the plurality of stacked and spaced planar plate pairs.
 28. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein: the plurality of dimples includes: a plurality of spaced extended-length dimples being oriented substantially parallel to a side of instances of the plurality of stacked and spaced planar plate pairs; and a plurality of elliptical dimples being configured to surround instances of the plurality of spaced extended-length dimples on either side; and wherein instances of the plurality of spaced extended-length dimples are configured to protrude into a supply side; instances of the plurality of spaced extended-length dimples are configured to protrude into the supply side; instances of the plurality of elliptical dimples are configured to protrude into an exhaust side; and instances of the plurality of elliptical dimples extend into the exhaust side.
 29. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein: the plurality of dimples includes one of: (i) a plurality of elliptical dimples including: a first set of dimples; and a second set of dimples protruding into a warm side and meeting with respective instances of the second set of dimples; (ii) warm-side dimples protruding into a warm side of the core being operative for forcing a flow direction to be more parallel with sides of the core; and cold-side dimples protruding into a cold side of the core being operative for forcing the flow direction to be more parallel with the sides of the core; (iii) warm-side dimples for a warm side flow, the warm-side dimples being about half of a width of a side of the core, the warm-side dimples operative for leaving additional room for a fluid to move within the core; and cold-side dimples for a cold side flow, the cold-side dimples being on a top portion of the core and extending to about the middle of the core; (iv) a plurality of slanted dimples having: cold-side dimples; and warm-side dimples; the cold-side dimples being located downstream of warm-side dimples; the plurality of slanted dimples configured to operatively force the fluid flow towards sides of the core more than the instances of the plurality of slanted dimples that are parallel to the sides to permit the plurality of slanted dimples to be spaced further apart; and (v) warm-side dimples alternating between and protruding into a warm side, and the warm-side dimples leaving a cold-side recess in a cold side; and cold-side dimples alternating between and protruding into the cold side, and the cold-side dimples leaving a warm-side recess in the warm side.
 30. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein: the energy recovery system includes: any one of an air exchange system and a heat recovery ventilator system.
 31. A method of joining a plurality of stacked and spaced planar plate pairs used in a core, the method comprising: folding seams of the plurality of stacked and spaced planar plate pairs to operatively lock the plurality of stacked and spaced planar plate pairs together; and applying an adhesive at the seams being folded to operatively attach and space the plurality of stacked and spaced planar plate pairs. 